The vessel, engaged by TMC’s subsidiary, Nauru Ocean Resources (NORI) for environmental assessments, faced a week of disruptions from Nov. 23 by Greenpeace activities, which a Dutch court deemed unsafe and unlawful. NORI is obligated under an International Seabed Authority (ISA) contract to evaluate the deep ocean’s health after a nodule collection test last year.
“We respect the right to protest, but the safety of our legally sanctioned studies comes first,” stated TMC CEO Gerard Barron in an email to The Northern Miner. “Greenpeace’s compliance with the order is welcomed, as we continue our vital research for informed global decision-making.” A Dutch court held jurisdiction over the dispute because Greenpeace is headquartered in Amsterdam.
The confrontation brings to the fore the tension between environmental activism and the advancement of deep-sea exploration technology. With 168 ISA member states plus the EU…
